What could be the real reason behind the persistent muscle weakness and twitching? Both Lyme disease and ALS can affect the nervous system. Even though, there is a similarity in the clinical symptoms, the underlying causes beneath the two conditions are different.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection, which is spread among humans through a tick bite. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the functioning of motor neurons. Due to the similarity in the clinical signs, there is a high rate of misdiagnosis. In this blog, we will explore the link between ALS and Lyme disease. How to differentiate between the two conditions?
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria, “Borrelia burgdorferi”, and is transmitted through the bite of black-legged ticks. There is an increased chance of getting Lyme disease if you spend time in grassy or wooded areas. Ticks can get the bacteria from rodents, deer, etc.
When these ticks attach to the body of the host, the bacteria enters into the blood circulation. If the ticks are removed within 24 hours, there is less possibility of transmission.
The clinical symptoms of Lyme disease appear within 30 days after the tick bite. Skin rashes or erythema migrans can appear at the site of the bite. Other clinical signs can include:
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Swelling of lymph nodes
- Bell’s palsy (facial nerve paralysis)
Treatment options:
The first-line treatment strategy for Lyme disease includes antibiotics (amoxicillin or doxycycline). Even after the appropriate treatment, around 15% of individuals experience symptoms like constant headache. This condition is known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. PTLDS will not respond to further antibiotic treatment.
Lyme disease can be prevented with the use of insect repellents, such as DEET. The exposure to ticks can be minimized with the help of long pants, and shoes. To reduce the risk of infection, you can take a bath after outdoor activities.
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the voluntary movement of the muscles. When there is degeneration of motor neurons, the muscles will not receive the signals.
As a result, there will be muscle weakness and fasciculations. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain drugs to manage the clinical symptoms of ALS. But, there is no current treatment strategy to reverse ALS.
Clinical symptoms:
- Twitching of muscles
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dyspnoea
- Salivary drooling
Diagnosis of ALS:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) employs magnetic fields to capture the images of the brain & spinal cord. Electromyography (EMG) is another diagnostic tool that can be used to analyse the functioning of nerves & muscles. Other tests that aid in the diagnosis of ALS include:
- Blood test
- Urine test
- Lumbar puncture
- Muscle biopsy
